The Citroen DS3 - A Colourful Treat

The first car in Citroen's DS range was the Citroen DS3 and it really set the bar high. With the DS label evoking memories of Citroen classics from the past this sleek hatchback has maintained the good name of the French manufacturer. To find out if this is the car for you, we've taken it for a test drive...

Styling and image

It's important to start with style because this car has it in buckets. Looking to compete with the stylish Mini and Fiat 500, the DS3 is perhaps not an iconic car but it's great on the eye. Available in an incredible 13 body colours as well as 11 roof colours, 16 spirits (roof decals), 7 levels of interior, 6 different dashboard strips and 9 Citroen door mirror colours. From the many colour themes to choose from includes the limited edition DStyle Pink which comes with a pink roof, pink alloys and even a pink interior!

There are also 21 trim levels available - DSign, DStyle and DSport are the popular three and they provide you with various accessories from air con and alloys to USB connectivity.

Interior and practicality

Inside the colourful display continues and you'll find the dash and seats available in a variety of colours. However, it's not all style with no substance. There is a generous amount of space with adults finding the backseat comfortable for a short journey with lots of headroom available. The DS3 is only available as a three-door model but the front seats fold to give sufficient access to the rear.

The instrument panel display creates a luxury feel to what is a relatively cheap car with glossy panels and chrome-rimmed instruments and back-lit dials. All are laid out practically for ease of use. The boot space is really generous for a hatchback with 285 litres of space - that's almost 100 litres more than you will find in a Mini. The tailgate is wide so getting in large cumbersome items isn't too tricky and there's also a decent amount of internal storage throughout the car.

Performance and economy

You'll find used Citroen DS3's in six different engine types. There are four petrol engines, designed in conjunction with BMW, to choose from in either a 1.2VTi, 1.4VTi, 1.6VTi or 1.6THP - that's the turbo-charged version and offers a massive 155bhp. There are also two diesel versions - a 1.6 engine with either 90bhp or 115bhp. The 90bhp diesel is the most fuel efficient providing a very impressive 78mpg. In all versions, you'll find they have a quiet engine making the DS3 pleasant for long journeys and motorway use.

Ride and handling

For a small car, the DS3 handles really well. The suspension is firm but that doesn't interfere with ride comfort. There's sharp steering and no matter which engine you choose you'll find it to be quick to respond making this a fun car to drive. The steering column and driver's seat are both adjustable and there is good all-round visibility making parking and manoeuvring in urban areas simple.

The car scored the maximum five stars on the Euro NCAP safety tests making this an ideal car as a first-time car for new drivers.

Here at Carbase we have an extensive range of used Citroen DS3 vehicles for sale. Prices range from £5762 (at time of review) and finance deals are available.